Winter Belly Soup

It is Winter, so I have the craving for something hot and soothing which gives the heat to my body. For Chinese, soup is most important dish of the day. I remember my Mom used to make wintermelon with pork belly, add some chinese dates which gives a little sweetness into the hot soothing soup. But now, my version is the Pork Belly with Garlic, Ginger, Shallots and Dried Mushrooms soup. Slow cooker is the best cookware to make this soup.


Ingredients:-

2 lb or 1 slap Pork Belly - cut into chuck
2 whole Garlic - smashed and peeled
4 whole Shallot - peeled
5 slices Young Ginger
1 handful Dried Mushrooms - soften and cut (look at the Stew Mushroom recipe)
1 Tablespoon whole white peppercorn
Water - enough to cover the whole ingredients
Salt (Optional)

Method:-

Put all the ingredients together in a slow cooker at low heat. Should be done at least 6 hours.
Garnish with fresh cilantro. Add salt to taste (optional).

Healthy stewed Mushrooms

I remember my Mom loves to cook the dried shitake mushrooms with meat and vegetables. It tastes so good with steamed Jasmine rice. For chinese, dried mushrooms are a delicacy and luxurious food. We prepared them in many ways, but this time, it is my way!  You can actually get those dried mushrooms at the Asian market. You can keep these mushrooms for a long long time, in cool area cabinet or freezer. Anyway, you have to soften the dried mushrooms in a hot boiling water, for a faster process. Or else, you have to soak the mushrooms over nite with hot water. I made stewed dried mushrooms this time, it is comparable with other comfort food in the States, meaning easy to prepare and can eat for few days but Healthy, Easy and Delicious! Just throw everything into a pot and let it cook until the sauce is reduced to little thick. Lets get started!

Ingredients:-

2 handful Dried Mushrooms - soften and cut
5 slice Young ginger
2 Chilis (can substitute with dried chilis)
Half Onions - chunk
4 Whole garlic - peeled and smashed
1 cup Soy sauce
1/4 cup Cooking wine
2 Tablespoon Sugar
3 cups water (from soaking the mushrooms)

Method:-

1. Put all the ingredients in a non-stick pot. Dont cover! and cook on medium heat.
2. Let it boil and simmer until you can see the sauce is thickening, not too thick tho. Some gravy for yuor steamed rice.

Ps: you can use slow cooker, but use less water.

"Selamat Mencuba"